One of Casey Anthony’s attorneys on her dream team is off the case. Todd Macaluso has been forced to step aside and is no longer part of the Anthony defense team, as he has his own legal problems.
There are reports that Macaluso is accused of check fraud, that is, writing checks against a trust fund account of a client in California. He is accused of misappropriating funds to the tune of over $100,000 and could face disciplinary action by the California Bar Association.
Just last month, Macaluso’s client, Casey, had her own check fraud troubles and pleaded guilty to 6 felony charges. Anthony took “full and complete responsibility” for stealing checks from her former friend Amy Huzienga, and cashing them.
Macaluso, who is leaving the defense team, had insisted several months ago that, Casey could not have murdered her daughter, as according to him, the remains of two-year-old Caylee had been placed in the wooded area, after his client was already locked up in the Orange County Jail.
It is not clear yet who would be Macaluso’s replacement on the defense team.
Anthony is charged with fist degree murder in the death of her two-year-old daughter, Caylee. She awaits her day in court in the Orange County Jail. Her trial is now not expected to start until sometime in 2011. If convicted, Anthony could face the death penalty.
